Exploring the Pros and Prose of Preserving Alhambra

Archive for August, 2013

Have you ever wondered what’s behind the walls of that imposing brick complex at Fremont Avenue and Mission Street? Would you be surprised to learn that, over the 61 years in which it served as the headquarters of C F Braun Company, this collection of buildings in Alhambra housed the design and manufacturing operations of one of the world’s leaders in petro-chemical engineering? Or that, during World War II, the facilities — indeed, the entire corporation — were retooled to produce the aviation-grade fuel and synthetic rubber that helped propel the Allied Forces to victory? Perhaps you recall the aura of mystery that always surrounded the Braun Complex, with its rumored network of tunnels; ‘50s and ’60-era office spaces that look like sets for episodes of Mad Men; and the numerous on-site services and amenities that were provided for the Braun employees. Maybe you’re curious about what’s become of this beautiful and historic campus under the stewardship of its current owner and developer, The Ratkovich Company, in its present incarnation as The Alhambra, an urban community.

If so, this is your chance to answer all of these questions and more. On Wednesday, August 21, Alhambra Preservation Group will present its annual Ice Cream Social, from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M., at this historic site. All are invited to enjoy free Fosselman’s ice cream in a beautiful outdoor setting and, afterward, to take a guided tour of the facilities, led by members of the Ratkovich team. In addition to the abundant “nostalgia value” of the evening, the event will showcase this stellar example of adaptive reuse of an historic collection of buildings to modern, 21st Century purposes — all, the while, preserving the historic architectural character of the existing campus.

APG’s Ice Cream Social is free and open to the public. The Alhambra is located at 1000 South Fremont Avenue; entrance is via the Fremont Avenue gate. The Ratkovich Company will provide free, validated parking for this special evening event.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Alhambra Preservation Group at (626) 755-3467 or follow us on Facebook.